“This is great news for the City as we faced with the possibility of a 1.5 % adition to the rates if Conor had not succeeded in his bid.“The essential safety works to City of Derry Airport are vital for its continued development as a vital piece of infrastructure for this city and region.

“At a recent meeting with the First and Deputy First Ministers, Minister Conor Murphy, DRD, and Sammy Wilson, Minister Murphy wxpressed his committment to Derry Airport and within days he issued a ministerial directive to make the necessary contribution.

“He has now secured the bid of £8.6 m which will assist in keeping our rates for the coming year down. I want to applaud Conor Murphy’s commitment to development of the North West in general and Derry in particular.ENDS